The fab's policy & safety and security

You are interested in organizing an event at the fab,  below you find some of the key policies as well as the material to get certified as a fire marshal

 

 

The Fab's Policy

 

Organization

  • Unless requested explicitly to us, we will assume that your event or meeting is self-organized. Should you have questions or need assistance, please let us know.
  • Your reservation will inform you of a classroom (S11 or S12) that is booked for you. However, please note that you have the option to use either the classroom or the open space. Please let us know if you want to use the open space so that we reserve the corresponding section.
  • The open space of the Fab has an open door policy and cannot be privatized from Monday to Friday, during the academic semesters. Privatization for events can be considered outside these times.
  • A screen is available and can be plugged into a personal laptop, via an HDMI cable, in order to screen share.
  • The open space of the Fab does not have hybrid meeting facilities. For hybrid events, you need to use the equipment in the classrooms.
  • The Fab can help create an event page and communications material. Should you need this, please provide us with a summary paragraph, speaker names, any available images or logos, and indicate whether you would like a registering option.

Catering & Cleaning

  • If you need food to be provided during the event, it can be purchased from the outside or please contact our in-house provider NOVAE directly at iheid@novae-restauration.ch.
  • To avoid issues of smell, we have a cold food-only policy.
  • Food can only be consumed on the wooden floor area, neither in the classrooms nor over the carpeted area.
  • Please make sure to leave the premises tidy and clean. There is some basic cleaning equipment at the fab’s reception at your disposal. Should the place not be left orderly after an event, a CHF 70.-/130.- cleaning fee might be charged.

Business Hours & Security

  • Opening hours are:
    • Monday-Friday: 8:00–23:00
    • Saturday: 9:00–23:00
    • Sunday: 9:00–19:00
  • You need a badge to access the Fab after 19:00 on Monday to Friday and on the weekends.
  • For events before 08:00 and after 17:00, please check the Fab's security policy document below. Full content is also available below on the website.
  • For 50+ people events before 08:00 and after 17:00, a security agent is required at a cost of CHF 70/hour (minimum 3 hours). If you are a student, you can benefit from the GISA discount at CHF 42.90/hour. Please contact events@graduateinstitute.ch to book security service.

 

Fab Security Policy (en)

Fab Security Policy (Fr)

Security measures for events organized at the fab

 

Security check list

Depending on the timing of your event as well as the number and nature of participants expected, you will need to take into account certain security measures. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of your participants in the unlikely event of a fire or other emergency. 


For all events, go through this checklist and make sure you have ticked yes for all: 

  • Do you know where the evacuation routes and emergency exits are?
  • Is the number of expected participants within the limits the fab team informed you of?
  • Have you ensured that decorations do not create additional fire hazards or impede escape routes?
  • Do you know where the evacuation equipment is (Chasubles, emergency instructions and attendance list/registrar)?
  • Have you located the manual triggers for the fire alarm?
  • Have you located the nearest defibrillator?
  • For events before 08.00 and after 17.00 as well as on weekends, have you agreed amongst the organizers and fire marshals (plus security guard when needed) on your respective roles in evacuation: 
    • Who leads the evacuation?
    • Who closes the group?
    • Who counts the number of people compared to the list/registry?
    • Who calls internal security/firemen/police/ambulance/etc?

 

Need Fire marshals and/or security GUARDS?

For events before 08:00 and after 17:00 as well as on weekends, the following provisions apply:

  • Fewer than 10 participants: 1 fire marshal
  • Between 10 and 30 participants: 2 fire marshals
  • Between 30-50 participants: 3 fire marshals
  • Between 50-99 participants: 3 fire marshals + 1 security agent 

Student fire marshals: 

  • You can get certified as a fire marshal online, see material and links below. 
  • The fab keeps a list of students trained in evacuation safety. Should none of them be part of your organizing committee, you may be able to engage them for a fee (paid directly to them). 

Security guard

  • For events with more than 50 people, before 08.00 and after 17.00, you need to engage a security guard. 
  • The standard rate is CHF 70/hour min 3 hours. If you are a student, you can benefit from the GISA discount at CHF 46.20. 
  • Please contact events@graduateinstitute.ch to arrange the security guard. 

Registration required after 17:00

  • At the reception desk of the Fab you will find a registration book which participants are asked to fill in at the beginning of the event. 
  • This applies for any event with more than 10 participants, and for smaller events if it also includes external participants. 
  • Please, make sure to leave it there. You/security guards will use this register in case an evacuation is necessary, to ensure everyone is in safety. 
     

GET certified as a fab fire marshall 

Are you planning on hosting an event at the Fab after 5pm?

Get certified as a Fire Marshall

Study the material below, complete the test, get more than 90% of answers correct, and you will be certified as a fab fire marshal for 12 months

 

 

Fab Fire marshall study material (ENG)

Cértification pour les agents de sécurité incendie - materiel d'etude (FR)

Fab Fire marshall

Get accredited

By completing this form and obtaining at least 12/13 of correct answers, you will be accredited as a fire marshall for 1 year
Fab fire marshall

Cértification pour les agents de sécurité incendie

En remplissant ce formulaire et en obtenant au moins 12/13 réponses correctes, vous serez accrédités pendant 1 an.

Emergency and Useful Numbers

  • Police: 117
  • Internal Security: 079 749 35 36
  • Firemen: 118
  • Medical Emergency: 144
  • SOS Doctor: 022 748 49 50

How to Respond in the Event of Fire

  • Do not panic.
  • Extinguish the fire using the nearest extinguisher with care.
  • Call 118, providing your exact address.
  • Gather all colleagues and ensure no one is left in the building.
  • Never use the lifts during evacuation.
  • Do not return to the building.
  • Assemble at the designated point: Rigot Road Esplanade.

How to Respond in the Event of Intrusion or Physical Aggression

  • Hide in a secure location (e.g., locked office) or escape without unnecessary risks (e.g., through a window or door).
  • Call for help discreetly using any available means (e.g., shouting, cell phone, or wired phone) if it does not worsen the situation.
  • Make preventive calls to the police if you observe suspicious, troubled, or agitated individuals or groups.